There are so many incredible practical life opportunities available for toddlers. And one of the most interesting parts about having so many children has been seeing what each of my children gravitate towards. Some of been interested in cleaning tasks, some building tasks, and other's kitchen work. They really all have been quite unique. One fun practical work that Penelope has really gravitated towards lately has been making and drinking tea.
Now, I do not come from a culture of tea drinking. Tea is just a fun occasional treat for me and for my family. My thoughts here come from that perspective.
Now, I do not come from a culture of tea drinking. Tea is just a fun occasional treat for me and for my family. My thoughts here come from that perspective.
Tea for Toddlers in Our Montessori Home
There are a few reasons that I really enjoy offering tea for toddlers. One, it is a great lesson in patience. We don't use super hot water so it takes a bit longer for the tea to steep. It's good to use work that helps us all slow down, that requires some advanced planning and some waiting. The reward is always worth it.
Two it's great pouring work that is different from our other pouring opportunities. Pour too slowly or too quickly and there is quickly a mess. It is also a unique two hand pour which I find is a really good challenge for her and elicits a lot of concentration. Additionally, it's a great multi-step work - gathering water, gathering tea, waiting for it to steep, pouring, drinking, sharing - that really keeps her interest for long periods of time.
Three, it's a great sensory rich experience. From the warmth of the pot and cup, to the smells, and eventually the taste - making and drinking tea is an amazing way to engage a toddler's senses. And, as Maria Montessori taught us, it's through the senses that young children learn.
Practical Considerations for Tea Work for Toddlers
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to offer this kind of work to your toddler. They include:
- Water Temperature: I'm personally not comfortable offering super hot water to my toddler to make tea. While I know the tea might taste better with hotter water, we use only water that is not hot enough to burn should she spill. Usually warm tap water works well.
- Tea: I offer light, fruity tea without caffeine. Tazo sweet orange is the most popular with me and my kids. I store tea in a location that they need to ask for the tea so that I can observe the use of the hot water.
- Tea Pot and Cups: using a child friendly size helps to make this work accessible to toddlers. We use this pot and cups. They aren't too heavy to move around and don't make too much tea for us to actually enjoy. I store the pot and cups in a location that is easily accessible to my toddler so she can choose tea on her own (then she asks for the tea.)
- Don't Assume Knowledge: Make sure you teach every step of the tea making process to your child explicitly. It might be that you slowly give more control to your toddler as they master each step in the tea making process.
- Connection: Don't forget that this is a highly connecting activity, make it something you're doing together not something you're looking for total independence in.
I hope enjoying tea with Penelope is something that I get to do for years to come. It's been a really wonderful addition to our practical life work and just our daily lives. If you like tea or think your toddler might like tea, introduce it to them! It's wonderful work.
Have you tried tea on your Montessori shelves with your toddlers?
